Pay me! I am a professional too

I know that we are friends and I would love to sing or recite a poem at your event. But why does it always make me feel guilty for expecting to be paid for my talents? Why!!!! Why do I even hate to ask for money? When I write a grant proposal, I do not hand it over until I have been compensated. Yet, I continue to let your cheap expectations cheapen me. No more!

If my friend was a licensed plumber and I needed some work done at my house, I may expect a discount or to pay for materials, but I never expect it to be done for free. So stop making feel guilty when you ask if I can contribute my talents and stop not offering me the same consideration as you would the plumber. I mean, I know your toilet ain't stopped up. But, your event can be amazing with me in it and it can be even more amazing if I feel respected.

Every artist knows what I am talking about. A friend that you barely speak to or one that you have known for years is getting married or they are planning an event. And of course, they ask if you are interested in being a part. So you say yes. And then you assume they will treat you like the professional that you are. You are not expecting union pay, you are simply seeking a free will offering, gas money, shit, anything that resembles funds. Instead, you get the following, "Well this is great exposure for you and it could lead to other work." Did you tell the plumber that after he or she fixes your tub you are going to invite all of your friends to see the handiwork and it will lead to other work? Thank you for contributing your skills to help me wash my ass, but I cannot make any contributions to you. Really?!

We are professionals too! We do this for a living! If we volunteer our time to help with an amazing cause, no problem. If you expect us to volunteer to simply make you feel good, then that is a problem. And it is poor etiquette. If you ask an artist to be a part of something, treat them like the professional they are do not treat us like children being invited to perform our first piano recital. And I promise not to say yes without asking for what I deserve.